Poke Weed

Phytolacca Americana

Once the plant has died back, the roots are at their most medicinal and least toxic, and one small root makes enough tincture to last years. Very toxic seeds, much like yew, but then the flesh and juice of the berries can be used medicinally, a berry at a time. It can grow tall, up to 8 feet in a season and has white flowers followed by black berries on red stems. Very valuable to wildlife.

Botanical illustration of poke weed with dark berries and green leaves on a beige background

Family: Phytolaccaceae

Which probiotic is it in?: Men

Habit and cultivation: Native to North America and naturalised to Europe and Asia as far as we know.

Actions (known for): For skin conditions as a salve or oil. Immune stimulant.

History of Poke Weed

The well-boiled leaves only from young plants with water discarded 1-3 times were and sometimes still are traditionally eaten as a spring tonic to sweep away winter stagnation. You have to harvest before the plant is more than a foot tall. Tincture from the roots used (often instead of goldenseal) as an anti-bacterial. Used historically as a dye and body paint, and also for ink.

Parts used from the Poke Weed

Root, leaves and berries with caution to never ingest the seeds and only 1 at a time when fully black and ripe.

Constituents (bio available chemicals):

Each part of the plant contains triterpenes and saponins, oleanolic acid in the roots, glucosides and stigmasterol and lectins. In the seeds phenolic aldehyde and caffeic aldehyde are the toxic components. Also contains glucosides and flavanols.

Nutritional constituents:

Carbohydrates, fibre, protein, fat and vitamins A, B2, C, K, and manganese. It contains low levels of vitamin B1, vitamin B6, iron, calcium, magnesium, phosphorus, and potassium.

Indications:

Stagnant inflammation, skin ailments and being researched for its anti-tumour action.

Dosage:

1-3 single drops daily. It is more easily taken homeopathically. Young spring leaves, boiled with water discarded short-term.

British Herbal Pharmacopoeia

Cautions for therapeutic doses

To treat with respect, individuals react differently, so consult a herbalist for your own personal guidance. Not deadly unless seeds are consumed, but there are side effects with more than your body tolerates. Berry flesh and juice on the skin is not toxic.

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